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Air Products and Chemicals (APD)
NYSE:APD

Air Products and Chemicals (APD) AI Stock Analysis

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APD

Air Products and Chemicals

(NYSE:APD)

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Neutral 57 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:57Neutral
Price Target:
$282.00
▼(-1.60% Downside)
APD’s score is held back primarily by weakened TTM financial performance (net loss and deeply negative free cash flow) and higher leverage, despite healthy operating cash flow. Offsetting factors include constructive price momentum and a generally positive earnings-call outlook with reaffirmed EPS guidance and capital-discipline actions, while valuation is mixed due to a negative P/E despite a solid dividend yield.
Positive Factors
Cash-generative base business
Air Products' core industrial-gases business continues to produce strong operating cash flow and healthy gross margins. That durable cash conversion from long-term supply contracts supports funding project spend, dividends and partnerships over the next several quarters.
Leader in hydrogen & space supply
Firm positioning in specialized hydrogen and liquid-hydrogen supply (notably NASA contracts) creates high barriers to entry and multi-year revenue visibility. Market share in the space segment and scale in hydrogen underpin structural growth in high-value, long-duration contracts.
Capital discipline and shareholder commitment
Management's focus on cutting ~$1B of CapEx, reaffirming guidance and maintaining steady dividend increases reflects durable capital-allocation discipline. That track record sustains investor confidence and prioritizes shareholder returns across multi-year project cycles.
Negative Factors
Deeply negative free cash flow
FCF turning deeply negative signals spending outpacing operating cash generation due to a heavy investment cycle. Sustained negative FCF strains liquidity, increases reliance on external funding and limits flexibility to fund projects or buffer shocks over the next several quarters.
Rising leverage and balance-sheet pressure
Material increase in leverage reduces financial flexibility and heightens refinancing and covenant risk during a heavy CapEx window. Although deconsolidation is planned, current reported leverage constrains capacity to absorb cost overruns or slower cash conversion in the medium term.
Execution and project risk on large clean-energy builds
Major low-emission projects face conditional FIDs, partner and CCS dependencies, regulatory exposure and prior equipment cost overruns. Delays or cost escalation can push out returns, prolong consolidation impacts and raise financing needs across the 2–6 month horizon and beyond.

Air Products and Chemicals (APD) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Air Products and Chemicals Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAir Products and Chemicals, Inc. provides atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, equipment, and services worldwide. The company produces atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, and argon; process gases, such as hydrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, syngas; specialty gases; and equipment for the production or processing of gases comprising air separation units and non-cryogenic generators for customers in various industries, including refining, chemical, gasification, metals, manufacturing, food and beverage, electronics, magnetic resonance imaging, energy production and refining, and metals. It also designs and manufactures equipment for air separation, hydrocarbon recovery and purification, natural gas liquefaction, and liquid helium and liquid hydrogen transport and storage. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. has a strategic collaboration with Baker Hughes Company to develop hydrogen compression systems. The company was founded in 1940 and is headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
How the Company Makes MoneyAir Products generates revenue primarily through the sale of industrial gases and related equipment. Its revenue model is based on long-term contracts and supply agreements, which provide stable cash flows. Key revenue streams include the sale of gases to customers in sectors such as refining, petrochemicals, and manufacturing, as well as the development and operation of large-scale gas production facilities. Additionally, the company benefits from strategic partnerships and joint ventures, particularly in hydrogen production and carbon capture technologies, which enhance its market position and drive growth. Factors contributing to its earnings include the increasing demand for clean energy solutions, technological advancements in gas applications, and expanding markets in emerging economies.

Air Products and Chemicals Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Geography
Revenue by Geography
Breaks down revenue across different regions, revealing where the company is strongest and where it may face risk or growth potential due to local economic conditions or market share shifts.
Chart InsightsAsia and Europe re-accelerated through 2025, becoming the primary sources of revenue growth while Americas has largely plateaued since 2022 peaks—muting total-topline upside. That divergence matters because helium-market weakness and project execution/cost issues can still compress margins even as management cuts CapEx and headcount to lift free cash flow. Watch continued Europe/Asia strength and progress on NEOM/Louisiana execution: if those persist, cash returns and EPS guidance are more credible; otherwise growth may be lower-margin.
Data provided by:The Fly

Air Products and Chemicals Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 30, 2026
(Q1-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 30, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call conveyed a generally positive operational and financial trajectory: the company delivered double-digit adjusted operating income growth, a 10% EPS increase that beat guidance, margin expansion, continued cash returns to shareholders and active steps to optimize large projects and reduce CapEx. At the same time, several material headwinds and execution risks remain — most notably helium-related pressure, equipment cost overruns, Europe cost inflation, and uncertainty and capital-cost risk around major clean-energy/ammonia projects (including regulatory risk tied to CBAM). Management emphasized capital discipline, project de-risking and partnership formation to mitigate these risks.
Q1-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Improved Profitability and EPS Growth
Adjusted operating income increased 12% year-over-year; adjusted EPS was $3.16, up 10% YoY and exceeded the top end of guidance; operating margin expanded to 24.4% (up ~140 basis points).
Affirmed Full-Year Guidance and Q2 Outlook
Company reaffirmed fiscal 2026 EPS guidance of $12.85–$13.15 (midpoint implies ~7%–9% improvement) and provided Q2 EPS guidance of $2.95–$3.10 (implying 10%–15% YoY growth for Q2).
Capital Discipline and CapEx Reduction Plan
Management remains focused on capital discipline: expects to reduce capital expenditures by approximately $1 billion in fiscal 2026 and maintained FY26 CapEx guidance at ~ $4 billion while prioritizing de-risking of large projects.
Shareholder Returns and Strong Cash Generation
Returned nearly $400 million to shareholders during the quarter and announced a dividend increase (44th consecutive year of increases); continued generation of strong cash flows from the base business.
Segment-Level Resilience
Americas sales up ~4%; Asia sales up ~2% with Asia operating income up ~7%; Europe sales and operating income also increased (Europe volumes benefited from lapping prior-year turnarounds).
Progress on Strategic Projects and Partnerships
Advanced negotiations with Yara International for low-emission ammonia projects in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia; launched RFPs and discussions for CO2 transport and storage partners to de-risk Louisiana project scope.
Pipeline in High-Growth End Markets
Notable wins and momentum in resilient end markets (refining, electronics, aerospace). Signed multiple NASA liquid hydrogen supply contracts; management estimates ~40%–50% U.S. space market share and expects space-related sales growth of ~6%–7% annually.
Leverage Management and Deconsolidation Plan
Net debt-to-EBITDA was 2.2x this quarter; management reiterated plan to deconsolidate the Neom green hydrogen joint venture once operational (mid-2027), which would reduce consolidated leverage when deconsolidation occurs.
Negative Updates
Helium Headwinds
Helium-related weakness remains a material headwind: prior-year one-time helium sale (~$0.10 EPS benefit in prior year) weighed on comps; company expects helium to be roughly a -4% EPS effect for the year and global helium pricing was cited as ~1% negative in the quarter (Asia most impacted).
Flat Volumes and Macroeconomic Sluggishness
Total volumes were essentially flat for the quarter as favorable on-site volumes were offset by lower helium and sluggish macroeconomic conditions that are expected to limit overall volume growth for the fiscal year.
Equipment Sale / Cost-Overrun Hit
Sale-of-equipment cost overrun impacted results by roughly $30–$32 million in the quarter, a comparable negative to the prior year period and a near-term drag on results.
Europe Margin Pressure
Europe experienced headwinds to margin from higher depreciation and fixed cost inflation (wage inflation), contributing to a sequential margin pressure noted by analysts (~150 basis points sequential decline called out).
Uncertainty and Execution Risk on Large Projects (Louisiana)
Louisiana low-emission ammonia project (Darrow) remains conditional: management requires high-confidence capital cost estimates, a commercial ammonia partner (Yara) and a CCS partner before FID; regulatory exposure (CBAM/C-band tariff uncertainty) and capital-cost execution risk could delay or materially alter economics.
China Gasification Assets Sale Uncertainty
Certain gasification assets in China moved to 'held for sale' provided a ~1% benefit in the quarter, but negotiations remain ongoing and timing/amount of proceeds are uncertain.
Near-Term Heavy CapEx Period
Management noted a heavy CapEx window in late FY2026 and early 2027 for clean-energy projects (Canada, Netherlands) before CapEx declines; near-term spending concentration raises execution and financing focus.
Temporary Leverage Distortion from Project Consolidation
The Neom green hydrogen project is consolidated on the balance sheet during construction, increasing reported leverage until planned deconsolidation once operational (expected mid-2027), which compresses current leverage metrics.
Company Guidance
Air Products affirmed full‑year adjusted EPS guidance of $12.85–$13.15 (midpoint ~$13.00), which management said implies roughly 7%–9% improvement at the midpoint, and gave Q2 EPS guidance of $2.95–$3.10 (a 10%–15% YoY increase) while noting Q2 will be lower sequentially due to seasonality (Lunar New Year) and higher planned maintenance; Q1 EPS was $3.16 (up 10% YoY and above guidance), adjusted operating income rose 12%, operating margin was 24.4%, return on capital was 11%, net debt/EBITDA is 2.2x, management expects a ~4% EPS headwind from helium for the year, capital expenditures are guided to about $4.0 billion in FY‑2026 with a targeted ~$1.0 billion reduction and a heavy CapEx period through early 2027 before declines, and the company returned nearly $400 million to shareholders while increasing the dividend for the 44th consecutive year.

Air Products and Chemicals Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Underlying operations still generate solid operating cash flow (~$3.35B TTM) and gross margin remains respectable (~31%), but TTM profitability deteriorated sharply to a net loss (net margin ~-3.3%) and free cash flow is deeply negative (~-$1.56B). Leverage has also risen (debt-to-equity ~1.23), reducing flexibility during a heavy investment period.
Income Statement
38
Negative
TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) performance shows a clear deterioration in profitability: revenue grew strongly (+142.1%), but the company reported negative operating profit and a net loss (net margin about -3.3%), indicating costs/charges overwhelmed the top-line growth. This contrasts sharply with 2023–2024, when margins and earnings were solidly positive, so the recent swing suggests elevated volatility and execution/one-time risk. Gross margin remains respectable (~31%), but the near-term earnings profile is weak.
Balance Sheet
54
Neutral
The balance sheet is mixed. Leverage has risen meaningfully versus prior years, with debt-to-equity around 1.23 in the latest periods (up from ~0.56–0.88 historically), reducing flexibility. Equity remains sizable (~$15.4B TTM) and the asset base is large (~$41.2B), but returns to shareholders turned negative in TTM due to the net loss, reversing strong prior-year returns. Overall: adequate scale and capitalization, but leverage is trending the wrong way.
Cash Flow
42
Neutral
Cash generation from operations remains healthy (about $3.35B TTM), but free cash flow is deeply negative (about -$1.56B TTM) and has deteriorated sharply (free cash flow down ~58.6% TTM), implying heavy investment and/or weaker cash conversion. The company is producing cash from its core operations, yet spending requirements are currently outpacing it, which can pressure funding needs—especially alongside higher leverage.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue12.04B12.10B12.60B12.70B10.32B
Gross Profit3.78B3.93B3.77B3.36B3.14B
EBITDA1.34B6.49B4.42B4.22B3.97B
Net Income-394.50M3.83B2.30B2.26B2.10B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets41.06B39.57B32.00B27.19B26.86B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.86B2.98B1.95B3.30B5.80B
Total Debt18.41B15.01B11.03B8.33B8.22B
Total Liabilities23.71B20.90B16.34B13.49B12.77B
Stockholders Equity15.02B17.04B14.31B13.14B13.54B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-3.77B-3.15B-1.42B303.70M877.70M
Operating Cash Flow3.26B3.65B3.21B3.23B3.34B
Investing Cash Flow-6.58B-4.92B-5.68B-3.86B-2.73B
Financing Cash Flow2.21B2.62B1.37B-1.00B-1.56B

Air Products and Chemicals Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price286.59
Price Trends
50DMA
255.01
Positive
100DMA
257.80
Positive
200DMA
268.19
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
5.75
Negative
RSI
72.20
Negative
STOCH
93.20
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For APD, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 286.59 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 265.46, above the 50-day MA of 255.01, and above the 200-day MA of 268.19, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 5.75 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 72.20 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 93.20 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for APD.

Air Products and Chemicals Risk Analysis

Air Products and Chemicals disclosed 17 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Air Products and Chemicals reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Air Products and Chemicals Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
73
Outperform
$91.45B35.0559.39%0.98%0.96%1.96%
68
Neutral
$28.26B17.222.71%-12.98%-11.34%
66
Neutral
$81.62B40.6221.73%1.01%1.38%-2.54%
66
Neutral
$221.02B31.0418.24%1.41%1.45%13.21%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
60
Neutral
$20.04B-25.96-0.46%1.74%2.42%-196.54%
57
Neutral
$63.81B-190.98-2.03%2.92%-0.52%-110.29%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
APD
Air Products and Chemicals
286.59
-37.91
-11.68%
ECL
Ecolab
288.16
40.99
16.59%
PPG
PPG Industries
125.95
16.28
14.84%
SHW
Sherwin-Williams Company
368.91
7.65
2.12%
DD
DuPont de Nemours
47.83
16.26
51.50%
LIN
Linde
473.33
25.66
5.73%

Air Products and Chemicals Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Air Products Shareholders Approve Directors, Pay and Auditor
Positive
Jan 29, 2026

At its 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on January 28, 2026, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. reported that approximately 91 percent of its outstanding common stock was represented, establishing a quorum for key governance decisions. Shareholders elected all nominated directors to serve until the 2027 annual meeting, strongly approved on an advisory basis the compensation of the company’s named executive officers with over 96 percent of votes cast in favor, and ratified Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, reinforcing continuity in the company’s leadership, oversight, and financial auditing framework.

The most recent analyst rating on (APD) stock is a Hold with a $257.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Air Products and Chemicals stock, see the APD Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Air Products Board Member Lisa Davis to Retire
Neutral
Nov 25, 2025

On November 23, 2025, Lisa A. Davis announced her decision to retire from the Air Products Board of Directors following the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Davis, who has served since 2020, will continue her roles on key committees until her retirement. Her departure comes without any disagreements with the company, and her contributions have been praised for enhancing the board’s strategic oversight.

The most recent analyst rating on (APD) stock is a Buy with a $325.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Air Products and Chemicals stock, see the APD Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 31, 2026